Museums in Albany Western Australia:
Albany Museums:
Museum of the Great Southern
Located just across from the picturesque waterfront, the Museum of the Great Southern offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich history. Positioned on Residency Road, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural and cultural stories of the Great Southern region.
The museum is set on the site of Albany’s first European settlement and includes the beautifully restored Residency Building — once home to the colony's government administrators. Visitors can explore engaging exhibitions featuring local Noongar culture, convict history, early whaling, and Albany’s role as the departure point for ANZAC troops in World War I. With its mix of indoor and outdoor displays, including the historic Eclipse Building and nearby heritage trails, it provides a meaningful glimpse into life across centuries.
Opening Hours & Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is free for general entry, making it an accessible and welcoming spot for all visitors. For those planning a group visit, bookings are recommended for parties of 10 or more. For more details, call the Museum at (08) 9841 4844 or visit the Museum’s website.
In addition to permanent displays, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, school holiday programs, and community events, offering fresh experiences throughout the year. From hands-on activities for children to detailed historical interpretations for adults, there's something for every age and interest. With stunning views across Princess Royal Harbour and a location close to cafes and walking trails, it’s an ideal place to spend a few hours soaking in the stories of the Great Southern.
Brig Amity
One of the museum’s key attractions is the Brig Amity, a replica of the convict ship that journeyed from Sydney to King George Sound in 1826, marking the establishment of the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia. Visitors can walk aboard the ship and learn about the perilous six-week voyage, the challenges faced by the passengers and crew, and the daily life aboard. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to guide your visit and provide additional insights about the ship and the Museum’s other exhibits.
Eclipse Building
The Eclipse Building is home to a range of long-term exhibitions including the Lighthouse Exhibition, Fishing Collection, and the Fish Wall. The star attraction here is the Eclipse Island Optic, a stunning array of rotating glass lenses that light up the space in dramatic fashion. The Discovery Centre is also located on the bottom floor of the Eclipse Building, offering hands-on, interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Residency Building
Dating back to 1850, the Residency Building now serves as a gallery space showcasing the diverse histories of both the Minang Noongar and non-Aboriginal communities. The building also highlights the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural stories, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the region’s fascinating past and present.
School Room
The School Room is a tribute to the early days of rural education in Western Australia. This quaint, one-room schoolhouse offers a glimpse into the life of pioneer teachers and the challenges they faced in the early settlement days.
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
About the Albany Convict Gaol Museum
Located on Stirling Terrace in Albany, Western Australia, the Albany Convict Gaol Museum invites visitors to explore the region’s convict history through a detailed and immersive experience. This historical site offers a fascinating insight into the lives of those who were once incarcerated here, alongside displays that tell the story of the Gaol's evolution over time.
The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission:
Adults: A$6.00
Children: A$2.50
Concessions: A$4.00
Family: A$15.00
For more details, call the Museum at (08) 9841 5403.
Opening Hours & Admission
Today, the Albany Convict Gaol Museum offers a range of activities to educate and engage visitors. Explore the historic cell blocks, read the informative plaques about the lives of the convicts, and view the extensive displays within the warder’s quarters and Great Hall. The museum also offers guided tours, night-time ghost tours, and venue hire for special events.
Special Features
The Gaol boasts an impressive collection of over 8,000 historical photographs, 500 pieces of artwork, and thousands of artefacts, providing an in-depth look at the history and significance of the site. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs, postcards, and historical books in the museum shop.
Whether you're interested in the convict past, the stories of those who lived and worked here, or the mysteries that linger in its halls, the Albany Convict Gaol Museum provides a unique and fascinating experience.
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
Step Inside History: Walk the Walls of Albany’s Convict Past
Uncover chilling tales from the past, right in the heart of town, at this well-preserved gaol which was once home to transported convicts, warders and prisoners whose stories still echo through its walls. Wander through original cell blocks, peek into the old kitchen and laundry, and don’t miss the timber-lined Aboriginal cells with carvings thought to be the oldest of their kind in the country. Explore the female cells, great hall, and guard tower, and discover stories of hardship, resilience and reform. Friendly volunteer staff are on hand with rich local knowledge to bring it all to life. It’s a surprisingly family-friendly experience—interactive displays, historical role play areas and friendly volunteer staff make it easy to explore at your own pace. Even young kids love it (some don’t want to leave!). For the brave, stay after dark and try the Albany Self-Guided Ghost Tour—a spine-tingling walk through one of WA’s most haunted locations. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a curious historian, the Albany Convict Gaol Museum, built in 1852, is a unique and memorable way to spend an afternoon. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. History awaits. This isn’t just a museum—it’s an experience that connects you to the human stories behind the history, making your visit both educational and unforgettable.
Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum
About Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum
Nestled in the heart of Albany, Western Australia, the Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum offers an intriguing window into the region’s early European settlement. As the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, dating back to 1832/33, this heritage site provides a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of Albany’s first settlers, with fascinating exhibits and a rich history on display.
Opening Hours & Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission:
Adults: A$5.00
Children: A$2.00
Concessions: A$4.00
Family: A$12.00
For more details, call 9841 5403 or visit Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum.
Patrick Taylor’s Cottage
Albany’s Oldest Home – A Window Into the Past
Step off the streets of modern Albany and into the world of 1832, where every creaking floorboard and handmade nail tells a story. A visit to Patrick Taylor Cottage is a journey back nearly 200 years, offering one of the most authentic glimpses into early colonial life in Western Australia. Built in 1832, this beautifully preserved wattle and daub home is the oldest surviving dwelling in the state, and an essential stop for historians, heritage travellers, and families alike. Step inside eleven fully furnished rooms filled with over 2,000 artefacts—from handmade tools and clothing to silverware and delicate porcelain. Stand on the original pit-sawn jarrah floors, walk through rooms where Patrick Taylor, his wife Mary Yates Bussell, and their six children once lived, and absorb the rich details that bring this history to life. Children will be fascinated by how different life was in the 1830s, while history lovers will appreciate the rare construction methods and deep colonial roots. Surrounded by a lovingly maintained cottage garden, the home is a credit to the Albany Historical Society and the dedicated volunteer staff, whose knowledge and passion make each visit unforgettable. Open daily from 11am to 3pm. Patrick Taylor Cottage is a true Albany treasure—don’t miss it.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to the Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum are invited to step back in time as they explore this beautifully preserved building. The cottage showcases a unique blend of early settler tools, household items, and period furnishings.
Guests can wander through the rooms, guided by informative plaques and volunteer staff from the Albany Historical Society. A visit offers a comprehensive experience of the history, architecture, and daily life of early Albany settlers.
The museum also hosts special events and educational programs for those interested in deepening their understanding of Albany’s history. The surrounding gardens, with their mature trees and charming atmosphere, add to the immersive experience.
The Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum stands out for its rare example of wattle-and-daub architecture, one of the few remaining examples of this construction style in Australia. The museum’s collections, including artifacts from the early settlement period, highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of the region’s pioneers.
Whether you’re a history buff, a local resident, or a curious visitor, the Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum offers an enriching and educational experience that brings the past to life.
